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Savvy Tokyo’s Most Loved ‘Life in Japan’ Articles of 2024

Happy New Year To Our Readers! With Love, From The Savvy Team

By The Savvy Team |
December 31, 2024 |
Savvy News

What a year! We can't believe it's the end of 2024. Before we leap into 2025, let's take a moment to revisit and showcase our most loved articles of the past year.

Just before the year ends, take a look at our top life in Japan articles for each month of 2024. Click the links to give each of the ones you missed a read.

January

Hafu: Dating As A ‘Half Japanese’ Woman in Japan

Hafu: Dating As A 'Half Japanese' Woman Life In Japan

As the year began, many readers sought insights into the intricacies of dating in Japan—from a halfie’s perspective. Our hafu (a person with one Japanese parent and one non-Japanese parent) writer, Tabitha Wilders, shared her personal experiences of dating Japanese men. Her story highlights how being mixed-race in Japan uniquely shapes one’s dating life.

February

Valentine’s Day Do’s & Don’ts in Japan

Valentine's Day Do's & Don'ts Life In Japan

Our February standout piece was, naturally, all about Valentine’s Day in Japan. Written by Hilary Keyes, our resident “Love in Japan” columnist, it dives into the unique traditions of the holiday, offering tips for navigating the season—whether you’re gifting a crush, a partner or treating yourself. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about celebrating love, Japanese-style!

March

Hinamatsuri: Girls’ Day Celebration in Japan

Parents with little girls, this one’s for you! Learn about Hinamatsuri—one of Japan’s most beautiful unofficial holidays. On this special day, households with daughters display beautiful ornamental hina dolls. These dolls represent the emperor, empress, attendants and musicians dressed in traditional Heian period court attire. The tradition is all about wishing for girls’ health, prosperity, and, in the past, a happy and successful marriage.

April

Japanese Self-Pleasure Toys for Women

Even in today’s more sex-positive world, female masturbation still carries a bit of a taboo. In Japan, there’s an added layer of stigma when it comes to discussing self-pleasure and toys for women—but let’s talk about it anyway! Rachel Crane dives in with a list of Japan’s top toys designed just for women.

May

Children’s Day in Japan: A Guide to Kodomo No Hi

Kodomo No Hi: A Guide To Children's Day In Japan

Did you notice the colorful fish-shaped flags hanging on balconies while going out in May? Those were for Children’s Day in Japan! Let this article fill you in on this traditional public holiday in Japan!

June

Government Benefits for Having Children in Japan

With financial incentives, free services and benefits for kids from birth to high school, Japan has been stepping up its support for families. Elizabeth Sok brings you the details in this helpful guide, exploring how Japan is addressing its declining birth rate and easing the challenges of parenting.

July

Where To Buy Plus Size Women’s Clothes And Shoes in Japan

Struggling to find fashion that fits in Japan? You’re not alone. Shopping for plus-size or non-standard sizes here can feel like a challenge, but the tide is turning. This article rounds up five affordable brands and stores that cater to curvier and taller women proving style and inclusivity can go hand in hand.

August

10 Japanese Food Factory Tours In and Around Tokyo

Our most popular article from August is all about Japanese food factory tours! If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to spend time with the family, these free tours around Tokyo offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at how some of Japan’s favorite foods are made.

September

10 Types of Harassment in Japan

Our most popular article in September delved into the different forms of intimidation you may encounter in Japan, both in the office and in everyday life. From power struggles to peer pressure, it explores common challenges and offers strategies for handling them. A must-read for anyone living life or working in Japan.

October

Letters from Japan: “Sex Isn’t Fun Anymore!”

Our resident “Love in Japan” columnist, Hilary Keyes, answers anonymous questions from readers on everything from dating in Japan to women’s health issues. If you would like to ask a question or get some advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to her via our official Ask Hilary email (askhilary@savvytokyo.com).

November

Hafu: Navigating Japan’s Age Obsession as a “Half-Japanese” Woman

November’s top article came, again, from our hafu writer, Tabitha Wilders. In this one, she shares her personal take on Japan’s complex standards around age. In a society that values youth and tradition, age can feel like more than just a number. Tabitha reflects on the pressures and cultural expectations around aging, offering a unique perspective on navigating them.

December

100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Traveling

December’s top article helped take the stress out of travel prep with a guide to Japan’s 100 yen shops. Whether you’re heading on a trip or looking to improve your travel experience, check out these picks for must-have items that will save both your mind and wallet.

Happy New Year!

Savvy Tokyo’s Most Loved 'Life In Japan' Articles of 2024 Life in Japan

The Savvy Team wishes all of our readers a wonderful holiday and a fantastic year ahead. A huge thank you to our brilliant staff, talented contributors and each and every one of you lovely people who continue to support us through your loyal readership.

With new people joining our team and a rapidly growing community of users in Japan and overseas, we’re looking forward to 2025 and all of the excitement it’s going to bring! Stay tuned for more of the content you enjoy, as well as several upcoming projects to help women and their families live their best lives in Japan.

We’re always looking for new contributors too, so if you have any writing experience or want to submit something on spec about life in Tokyo, get in contact with us! As always, if you’d like to give feedback or have any suggestions for the site, or simply want to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact Form or direct message us on our Instagram page.